Mourners eulogize soldier

Friends and family recalled the Guardsman's selfless nature.
COLUMBUS (AP) -- An Ohio National Guardsman killed in Iraq was remembered by family and friends as someone who was always positive and eager to help others.
Lt. Charles L. Wilkins III wouldn't allow his friend, Lt. Michael Fry, to mope after receiving an order to deploy to South Korea for a year. Fry recalled their conversation at Wilkins' funeral Tuesday.
"Congratulations!" Fry said Wilkins yelled into the phone. "Well, we're going out to celebrate. The kimchi's [a spicy Korean cabbage dish] on me."
Fry was one of three soldiers who spoke at the memorial. Each of them paused to salute the flag-draped coffin while walking to the podium at the church that Wilkins attended, St. Thomas More Newman Center. They told mourners of Wilkins' dedication to his family, his work and the military.
In line of duty
Wilkins, 38, died Aug. 20 when a homemade bomb went off near the humvee he was riding in near Samarra.
Another soldier, Pfc. Ryan Martin, 22, of Mount Vernon, also died in the explosion and was buried Monday. Both men served with the 216th Engineering Battalion. Two other guardsmen were injured in the attack.
Wilkins worked for the Federal Highway Administration and was attending law school at Capital University.
"He was always looking out for somebody else, not himself," said Stew Sonnenberg, a co-worker. "He was always helping family and others."
His background
Wilkins enlisted in the Air Force right after graduating from Bishop Hartley High School in Columbus. He also attended St. Charles Preparatory School in Bexley for three years, and played football at both schools.
Family members have said Wilkins joined the National Guard after getting out of the Air Force because he wanted to be an officer.
Charles Wilkins II said his last memory of his son, who was not married and did not have children, was of him swimming with his nephew, laughing like he always did.
Wilkins said he has to believe his son's death will help make a difference in Iraq.
"I hope that his death wasn't in vain," Wilkins said. "I hope they accomplish something over there so it won't be."